7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney on 13 Sep 2024

Toilets are a common household fixture that we all are using every day. It’s easy to take its convenience for granted, however it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain items that should never go down the drain as they can cause blockage inside the sewer or damage to sewer pipes.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not flush certain things into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
  • Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Cooking grease and oil
    • Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
    • Medicines
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Doing this can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This can result in unimaginable expense to you.
  • Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.

These are the seven items in your home that should not be flushed in the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes can be convenient but they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper, and they can block your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the garbage instead.

2. Condoms

The flushing of condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment facilities.

3. Food preparation grease and oil

Grease and oil should be removed from the container and thrown away in the trash, because they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.

4. Female hygiene products

Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them can cause troubles later on if they combine with other items to create a nasty blockage.

5. Medicines

It is not recommended to flush medications in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is designed to be durable, which means it won’t split in water, leading to possible blockages in your pipes.

7. Paper towels

In contrast to toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave which makes them less likely to deteriorate quickly once they’re wet. They can easily blockage.

If you flush one of these seven things can lead to blocked drains and damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected cost to the homeowner. Stay mindful of what you put down the drain.

Item Reason for not Flushing
Baby wipes Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
Condoms Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants.
Cooking grease and oil Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
Feminine hygiene products Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable".
Medications Can contaminate our water sources.
Dental floss Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes.
Paper towels Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does flushing feminine hygiene products cause damage to my pipes?

Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t break down in water and may cause blockages to your pipes or sewer system.

Are flushable wipes actually flushable?

Yes, many "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.

Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?

No. Baby wipes should never be flushed into the toilet as they do not dissolve quickly and could cause blockages.

Do paper towels need to be used to flush?

No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down as easily, leading to the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.

What about medication? Do I have to flush them down the toilet?

No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, which is why it’s vital to dispose them properly by taking your medications to the designated drop-off point.

If you find yourself dealing with a blocked drain Don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing assistance via Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We can help you unblock blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of drainage problems. Call us now to make an appointment.

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